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Defending Jacob

By: William Landay
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A legal thriller that’s comparable to classics such as Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent . . . tragic and shocking.”—Associated Press

NOW AN EMMY-NOMINATED ORIGINAL STREAMING SERIES • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Entertainment Weekly Boston GlobeKansas City Star

Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than twenty years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: his fourteen-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student.

Every parental instinct Andy has rallies to protect his boy. Jacob insists that he is innocent, and Andy believes him. Andy must. He’s his father. But as damning facts and shocking revelations surface, as a marriage threatens to crumble and the trial intensifies, and as the crisis reveals how little a father knows about his son, Andy will face a trial of his own—between loyalty and justice, between truth and allegation, between a past he’s tried to bury and a future he cannot conceive.

Award-winning author William Landay has written the consummate novel of an embattled family in crisis—a suspenseful, character-driven mystery that is also a spellbinding tale of guilt, betrayal, and the terrifying speed at which our lives can spin out of control.

©2012 William Landay (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
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Critic reviews

“Landay has proven himself to be an extraordinary writer, and Defending Jacob is an amazing novel. Do yourself a favor and read it. It’s that good.” (Nicholas Sparks, #1 New York Times best-selling author)
“Harrowing . . . This searing narrative proves the ancient Greek tragedians were right: the worst punishment is not death but living with what you—knowingly or unknowingly—have done.” ( Publishers Weekly, starred review)
“[Landay] reaches a new level of excellence with this riveting, knock-your-socks-off legal thriller. With its masterfully crafted characterizations and dialogue, emotional depth, and frightening implications, the novel rivals the best of Scott Turow and John Grisham. Don’t miss it.” ( Booklist, starred review)

Featured Article: Go Beyond the Courthouse with These Legal Thriller Audiobooks


While listening to real-life litigations can be a bore, some of the most exciting mystery and crime plots unravel around courtroom proceedings. There's an exciting world of legal thriller audiobooks beyond the biggest names out there waiting to be discovered. Here are the best legal thrillers featuring scenes of courtroom drama and twisty legal plots that will keep you gripped and guessing until the gavel’s rapped.

What listeners say about Defending Jacob

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    6,279
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Story
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent Story

Would you consider the audio edition of Defending Jacob to be better than the print version?

I preferred the audio version. I didn't have much time to try to read the book.. I felt like I was right there listening to the conversations. It came alive to me, something a book can't do.

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This narrator is by far the greatest narrator in his field.He has so many different voices you knew who was speaking without having to find out who it was.

Who was the most memorable character of Defending Jacob and why?

Jacobs dad was so determined to prove his son innocent. He was a wonderful father who showed great love and trust in his son.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Piccoult lover w/ Patterson on the side

If you could sum up Defending Jacob in three words, what would they be?

couldn't stop listening

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved his wife Lori because she was so introspective and was not afraid to ask the hard questions instead of just the practical ones.

Have you listened to any of Grover Gardner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't but I would again

Any additional comments?

I love Piccoult, but find Patterson to be a little too plot driven. Landay had plenty of plot to keep things moving, but also more thought provoking moments especially about the decisions they had to make as a family. The addition of courtroom scenes really closed the deal for me. I loved it. I will be looking into other books by Landay.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Couldn't turn it off!

Would you consider the audio edition of Defending Jacob to be better than the print version?

LOVED this audible book. Had me questing at every chapter. Great for book clubs...discussions are very interesting, morally provocative....best book I've read in awhile.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Couldn't stop listening

Would you listen to Defending Jacob again? Why?

I don't think I would listen to it again because some of the characters actions and lack of motives were frustrating

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

Andy Barber's growing panic and trying to hold it together.

Who was the most memorable character of Defending Jacob and why?

Jacob - cause you just don't have a clue

Any additional comments?

Some audio books I like to listen to with a hard copy nearby for referring back to previous passages. This was one of those books

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

surprise sleeper story :) loved it-

Would you listen to Defending Jacob again? Why?

yes, the story was full of detail and it moved along in every chapter

Who was your favorite character and why?

Andy, because being a parent i could totally empathize with him

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

the inflection and the throw back 'Perry Mason' feeling of the mystery as it unraveled- loved his voice and narration

Who was the most memorable character of Defending Jacob and why?

Andy- just his journey from beginning to end

Any additional comments?

highly recommend this book!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful!

What made the experience of listening to Defending Jacob the most enjoyable?

I grew up in Newton, MA and have spent many days at Cold Spring Park as well as Starbucks in Newton Center. Listening to this book felt very real to me. The narrator is spectacular and truly took on the characters emotions. I purchased this book because of it's ties to Newton but that was just a plus. Without the connection to Newton I would still have enjoyed the book. The plot is creative and the character development is subtle. Be sure not to discount anyone!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Defending Jacob?

The end was definitely most memorable. Just when you think you have it all figured out you realize you don't.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Gripping Story

This story grabbed me quickly and wouldn't let me go, even through the somewhat slow portions near the end. I listened to the whole thing in just a few days. I just had to know what would happen next.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

excellent story -a real page turner

Would you consider the audio edition of Defending Jacob to be better than the print version?

Unknown

What was one of the most memorable moments of Defending Jacob?

When Jacobs father discovers that Jacob is likely to be the murderer

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book kept me up very late because it was so good

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend this book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Make sure you read to the very last line

Would you consider the audio edition of Defending Jacob to be better than the print version?

The narrator is Grover Gardner which is one of the best so I would have to opt for better on audio

What other book might you compare Defending Jacob to and why?

One of Jodi Picoults book and for me to say that is saying alot

Which character – as performed by Grover Gardner – was your favorite?

The father

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

oh yea

Any additional comments?

I never write comments since I read James Patterson books and Jodi Picoult and Patterson is great reading and there's no word to describe Jodi but defending Jacob was a great read

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A surprise

What made the experience of listening to Defending Jacob the most enjoyable?

I bought this book on a whim and was really glad I did. The writing is good and the story line keeps your interest. Parents of teenagers will find it particularly interesting. Raises challenging moral dilemmas without being preachy.

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